October is National Dental Hygiene month and this Tooth Talk article will give you a few tips to help you maintain a healthy smile. Keeping your teeth healthy is very important to help you to be able to chew food, help with pronunciation of words, and helps maintain the contours of your face. There are simple steps to help keep your teeth strong from childhood to your later years as an adult. Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy: • Brush Twice a Day with a soft bristled toothbrush for 2 minutes to help remove plaque and bacteria from your…
Author: Dr. Jacqueline Butler Mitchell, DDS
When you look through any magazine one commonality is that its filled with toothy smiles that are all pearly white and perfect shaped teeth. You see tooth paste commercial with actors smiling showing off their white, bright teeth too. We must remember that its normal for your teeth to show signs of age. When you consider all the wear and tear teeth take from chewing three meals per day and drinking all the dark staining drinks we take in during the day, it shouldn’t be a surprise that your pearly whites lose their luster. But with a bit of basic…
When you’re looking for a new dentist its hard to know where to begin. Your dental health is such an important part of your overall health, so its important to find a dental home. Having a dental home will help you to feel comfortable when you go for your checkups and will give you a place to go to that you trust if you have a dental emergency. In this Tooth Talk I will discuss how to find a dental home. Basis Things to Look for in a Dentist • Is the location of the office convenient for you to…
We have all heard the saying “Use it or Lose It”, well this is especially true when it comes Each year you work hard to earn your benefits and before you know it, the year is gone and so are your unused dental benefits. If your dental insurance plan is on a calendar year, listed below are 5 reasons why you should make a dental appointment now. 1. Yearly Maximums: Your dental plan gives you a maximum of what can be spent on your dental care on an annual basis. The amount varies between insurance companies and averages around $1000…
NASHVILLE, TN — The Oak Ridge Boys had the official unveiling of the caricature artwork for legendary Country music manager and impresario, Jim Halsey, at The Palm restaurant downtown. The Country Music Hall of Famers and Grand Ole Opry members are one of many Hall of Famers and Grand Ole Opry members are one of many legendary artists that Halsey is responsible for guiding the careers of, over the course of his storied 69-year career in music. “I am both humbled and honored to have my caricature likeness added to the wall of the world-famous Palm restaurant in downtown Nashville,” Halsey said. “I owe a…
It’s football season once again. You’ve got on your team jersey and team cap, but now comes the most important part; What are you going to snack on? When choosing snacks, remember you want to maintain healthy teeth, so choose mouth friendly snacks. Recommendations for Great Game Day Snacks: • Cheese Plates are perfect for all types of get-togethers. Cheese is a mouth friendly food. Cheese has calcium and protein which help strengthen tooth enamel and it helps to neutralize the acids from sugary foods. Do keep in mind that cheese does have a high content of Fat, so avoid…
A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Foods that are high in sugars and starches contribute to the production of plaque and bacteria that can attack the tooth enamel if not removed by brushing and flossing and lead to cavities forming. Almost all foods contain some type of sugar to include milk, fruit, and vegetables; however, these foods are a necessary part of a healthy diet because these foods do contain important nutrients. Tips for a Healthy Diet • Foods that are high in sugars, make them a treat rather than a staple food. • Eat…
Most parents and children understand the need for wearing a protective helmet when playing a contact sport, but there is another very important piece of equipment for safety when playing sports, Mouth Guards. Everyone should wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports. It has been reported that an athlete is 50 times more likely to sustain damage to the teeth when not wearing a mouth guard. Often times these injuries can result in permanent damage to your teeth and other oral structures. Most Common Types of Dental Injuries • Fracture – can be classified as a root fracture, broken…
Your wisdom teeth are nothing more than the third molars found on both the upper and lower jaws. They grow in all the way at the back of your mouth and they look like your other molars. Some people don’t experience a single problem with their wisdom teeth, but in others, they can cause pain, infection, and discomfort. When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21. How many emerge differs with the individual. In some, the wisdom teeth may only partially erupt, or even stay buried within the gum tissue. Teeth that…
X-rays, also called radiographs, are typically taken in a dental office or dental specialist. X-rays help dentist be able to see areas inside your teeth and gums that can’t be seen with a simple oral exam. X-rays also help the dentist find and treat dental problems early before they become more serious, which can save you money, unnecessary discomfort, and maybe even your life. X-Rays are a Valuable Diagnostic Tool • Help dentist to see between and inside your teeth. • Can view the roots of the teeth. • Can detect cyst, abscesses, and any other masses. • Congenitally missing…